Patient Education

Perinatal Education

Page 105

Pregnancy and Giving Birth

The Process of
Labor and Birth
As your pregnancy
progresses and you get
closer to your due date,
you begin to prepare for
the birth of your baby. We
offer this chart as a tool
to help you learn the
process of labor and
birth. We hope the birth
of your baby is a
wonderful and
memorable event at the
Maternity and Infant
Center at University of
Washington Medical
Center.
If you think you may be in
labor, call 206-598-4616.

The chart on the following pages provides an overview

of the process of labor and vaginal birth. Your body will
progress through these stages in the hours before, during
and after the birth of your baby. This chart provides a
picture of most womens experience as they labor and
give birth. You may have all or some of the body
changes and feelings described in the chart.
Stage One most often begins with contractions and lasts
until your cervix is dilated to 10 centimeters.
Stage Two begins when your cervix is fully dilated and
is called the pushing stage. You push when your uterus
contracts, and this pushing continues until your baby is
born.
Stage Three begins after the birth of your baby and lasts
until your placenta is delivered.
Stage Four, or recovery, lasts for several hours after the
birth of your baby as your body adjusts to the physical
and emotional changes that come with the birth.
Review the Breathing and Actions sections for ideas
to help you cope with labor and for how your birth
partner can help you. Please use this chart as a starting
point, and build on it. Most likely, you have coping
methods you use when you are faced with a painful,
stressful, or challenging situation. Use these proven
coping skills during your labor. Try some of our
suggestions, and think of other ideas that might help you
to cope during labor.

Page 106

Pregnancy and Giving Birth

Perinatal Education

The Process of Labor and Birth

The Stages of Labor and Birth

Stage

Physical
Changes
Contractions

Pre-Labor

Cervix

without
progress
Cervix ripens
Cervix may
efface
Cervix may
dilate 1 to 2 cm
May have show
of blood or
mucus

1 cm

Early
Labor

Stage
One
Active
Labor

4 cm

Transition
Labor

Actions
Start or

continue
nesting
Pack your
bags for the
hospital

Excited
Impatient
Uncertain

Focused
Serious
Starting to get

Use patterned

tired

Try distraction
Movie
Walk
Relax at home
Take a shower
Change
positions
Drink fluids/
eat lightly
Empty bladder

Contractions

intense with
multiple peaks
Minimal rest
Cervix dilates 8
to 10 cm

Anxious
Looking forward

3 cm

Contractions

longer,
stronger, closer
together
Membranes
may break
Cervix
effaces,
dilates 4 to 8
cm

Feelings

to birth and baby

Contractions

becoming
regular
Cervix effaces,
dilates 2 to
4 cm

Contractions and
Breathing

Focused on here

10 cm

and now, tunnel

vision
Difficulty stating
needs
Sensitive to touch
Possible urge to
push
Possible nausea
Grumpy
Shaky

breathing
Walk
Hydrotherapy
Change
positions
Drink fluids/
eat lightly
Empty bladder
Epidural
anesthesia if
desired

Contractions

without
progress

Page 107

Pregnancy and Giving Birth

The Process of Labor and Birth

Stage

Pushing

Stage
Two

Birth

Stage
Three

Stage
Four

Deliver
Placenta

Recovery

Physical Changes

Perinatal Education

Cervix

Contractions and
Breathing

Feelings

Actions

Possible lull in

Anticipating

Ice chips if

contractions
Spontaneous urge
or directed pushing
Skin between
vagina and anus
(perineum) may
feel burning

birth
Possible
renewed
energy
Tired, sleepy
Sweaty

desired
Compresses
may feel good
Possible bowel
movements

Babys head

Happy
Relieved

Push baby out

Focus on baby

Placenta is

May have

Focus on baby

delivered
May have
contractions,
afterpains
Stitching of tear or
cut (episiotomy) if
needed

shakes
May feel cold,
chilled

Bleeding, lochia
May have

Elated, content
May be very

contractions,
afterpains
Perineum may be
sore
Hungry, thirsty

tired
Want to talk
about the birth

crowns
Baby is born

Breastfeed

baby when
comfortable
Eat and drink
Have help first
time out of bed
Ice on
perineum
Call family,
friends
Have visitors

Page 108
Perinatal Education

Pregnancy and Giving Birth

The Process of Labor and Birth

Questions?
Your questions are
important. If you have
questions about
yourself, call your
obstetric provider during
office hours. Clinics are
closed 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
and on weekends.
When your providers
office is closed, call:
Labor and Delivery:
206-598-4616

Perinatal Education
Box 356159
1959 N.E. Pacific St. Seattle, WA 98195
206-598-4003

University of Washington Medical Center

07/2003 Rev. 12/2007
Reprints: Health Online